James 2:9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Original Language Analysis
προσωποληπτεῖτε,
ye have respect to persons
G4380
προσωποληπτεῖτε,
ye have respect to persons
Strong's:
G4380
Word #:
3 of 11
to favor an individual, i.e., show partiality
ἐργάζεσθε
ye commit
G2038
ἐργάζεσθε
ye commit
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
5 of 11
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 11
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 11
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Leviticus 19:15Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.John 8:9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Historical Context
Jewish communities prized justice, yet Roman patronage normalized bias. James declares that favoritism violates God's law just as much as more obvious sins. Paul's critique of Peter in Antioch demonstrates shared apostolic concern.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you treat favoritism as sin worthy of repentance?
- How can your community confront systemic partiality?
- Who needs to hear confession or receive restitution from you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. If you show partiality (prosōpolēmpteite, προσωποληπτεῖτε), you commit sin (hamartian ergazesthe, ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζεσθε) and are convicted as transgressors. Favoritism is not a minor faux pas but a legal offense before God. The law exposes partiality as rebellion against His justice.
James underscores the seriousness of social sins often minimized. Reformed believers emphasize total depravity, acknowledging that prejudice springs from deeply sinful hearts requiring grace.